A parallel universe (or an alternate universe) was a self-contained universe existing separate and parallel to the primary universe.

There were different types of parallel universes. Some were separate dimensional planes. Some of these planes were governed by completely different physical laws, while some duplicated the primary universe closely. Some parallel universes existed within subspace, while others existed as completely different quantum realities.

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Trans-dimensional realms

A multitude of universes exist in the same physical space but have a different dimensional structure from one another. For this reason they do not normally interact. (TOS: "The Tholian Web") By 2272 the existence of these other dimensions could still not be proven logically, even though many of them were known to exist. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture) There were several methods of entering parallel dimensional planes, one of them was a portal created by the Guardian of Forever. (TOS: "The City on the Edge of Forever")

Interphasic rifts also contained a parallel universe completely empty and devoid of life between dimensional planes. The rift itself allowed interaction between the dimensional planes of at least the primary and the mirror universe by overlapping them for periods of time. (TOS: "The Tholian Web", ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly")

A solar quantum level cascade periodically caused a quantum fluctuation in the molecular structure of the planet Meridian and its inhabitants. The fluctuation shifted them to an intersecting dimensional plane where all life and matter existed in noncorporeal form as pure consciousness without aging. (DS9: "Meridian")

In the Megan universe, magic was part of the natural laws. Megans who travel out of their universe still maintained the ability to use thoughts to control reality, while Humans entering the Megan universe could use their thoughts to alter reality there, but would not maintain the power after returning. Matter in the primary universe originated from the Megan universe through creation points. Creation points were the active portals between the two dimensions. (TAS: "The Magicks of Megas-Tu")

The Prophets, while identifying themselves as being "of Bajor", were a non-corporeal extra-dimensional race known to reside in the realm known as the Celestial Temple. The Prophets had the ability to foresee all the consequences of their actions and did not conceive their existence in terms of linear time. The portal to the primary universe was the artificial wormhole. Humans in this dimension had the ability to relive any past event of their lives in the form of subjective or shared visions. (DS9: "Emissary")

It has not been specifically stated what the type of realm their home parallel reality was.

The nucleogenic lifeforms, known as "spirits of good fortune" by the Ankari, were native to a different dimensional plane and could exist in the normal universe for only short periods of time. Nucleonic lifeforms had the ability to generate interspatial fissures to pass between the realms. (VOY: "Equinox")

Chaotic space was a parallel dimensional realm that randomly intersected regions of space on the eighteenth dimensional gradient through trimetric fractures in space. This created overlapping zones where the laws of physics were in a state of flux. (VOY: "The Fight")

The Nexus was a dimensional realm where reality shaped itself to accommodate the desires of anyone who entered it. Entry to the Nexus could be gained through proximity to a temporal flux energy ribbon in the primary universe. The Nexus could be exited by an act of will into any desired time and place in the universe. (Star Trek Generations)

In 2267, Spock speculated that the neural parasites might be native to a place where the physical laws of the known universe did not apply when they were discovered to be a collection of macroscopic brain cells without any apparent connection to one another, yet still capable of acting as a single brain. (TOS: "Operation -- Annihilate!")

The Q Continuum was the realm in which the limitless dimensions of the Milky Way Galaxy are combined. (TNG: "Hide and Q") The Continuum can be only understood by the Q. However, the Continuum could be allowed by a Q to manifest itself in any number of ways for other lifeforms to interact in it and perceive it in terms they could comprehend. (VOY: "Death Wish"). The Q Continuum could be entered by non-Q when spatial disruptions originating from the Q Continuum cause matter from the primary universe to be sucked inside. (VOY: "The Q and the Grey")

Dr. Paul Manheim also believed in the existence of infinite dimensions. To prove the theory, he created a method of opening a window to another dimensional plane by creating a temporal disruption in our dimension. In the other dimension, the native life had a completely different existence to the primary universe. Until the window was closed Manheim's mind existed in both dimensions at the same time. The sight of the other plane was so alien, the words to describe it did not exist in the Human language. (TNG: "We'll Always Have Paris")

First contact was made in 2376, with entities, speculated to be composed of dark matter. They resided in a dark airless parallel dimension filled with lifeforms. They had the ability to transport between the realms. It was stated that the creatures realm did not exist in either space or subspace from the prime universe point of view. (VOY: "Good Shepherd")

New parallel universes could be also be created into subspace artificially by generating stable warp bubbles. The universe formed according to the thoughts of an individual trapped inside the bubble. The nature of these universes was a spheroid region surrounded by a mass energy field. A stable threshold between the universes manifested itself as a dynamic atmospheric disturbance of great intensity. Recreating the bubble in the prime universe generated a phase link with the warp bubble-universe. (TNG: "Remember Me")

Quantum realities

Captain Riker of a quantum reality where the Borg had decimated the Federation

There are an infinite number of alternate quantum realities, one for every possible outcome of any event that occurs. Each reality has its matter resonating on a unique constant quantum signature. Quantum universes were separated by barriers from one another. Although each universe was separate, they had a similar past until the particular diverging event occurred. (TNG: "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, Worf and the others held the same ranks and positions. Worf had won the tournament, but was given a surprise birthday party by the senior staff except CaptainJean-Luc Picard. The Argus Array had stopped transmitting data for an unknown reason. (TNG: "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, Worf and the others held the same ranks and positions. Worf won the tournament and was given a surprise birthday party by the senior staff, including Captain Picard. The Argus Array had stopped transmitting data due to Cardassian take over. (TNG: "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, Worf and the others held the same ranks and positions. Worf came in as ninth in the tournament, after suffering a concussion. He was given a surprise birthday party by the senior staff. The Argus Array had stopped transmitting data due to a simple mechanical failure. (TNG: "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, Worf and the others held the same ranks and positions. When Worf was given a surprise birthday party by the senior staff, he was given a completely different painting as a gift from Data. (TNG: "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, Worf held the same rank and position, but was married to Deanna Troi. He didn't attend the tournament due to a malfunction in the ship's main deflector. Kurn attended the tournament in his place. Worf was given a birthday party by the senior staff and the new painting as a gift from Data. Doctor Crusher and Wesley were not on board the Enterprise. Data had blue eyes and Ogawa was the chief medical officer of the ship. The Argus Array was destroyed by the more aggressive Cardassians; Geordi La Forge was killed during the battle. Computer consoles had new configurations and the new warp core installed earlier in 2370 was never replaced. (TNG: "Phantasms", "Parallels")

In one alternate quantum reality, by 2370, the Federation had been completely wiped out by the Borg. The Enterprise-D was one of the last remaining ships and had taken heavy damage in the fight against the Borg. The ship was under the command of Captain Riker. Lieutenant Worf was serving at tactical. (TNG: "Parallels")

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